The Hidden Toll Of Workplace PTSD

Most people picture physical harm when they think of workplace injuries, such as broken bones, back injuries, or repetitive stress conditions. But not all injuries are visible. For many Maryland workers, the aftermath of a traumatic event on the job can leave deep emotional scars that interfere with daily life and the ability to work.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions are increasingly recognized as legitimate workplace injuries. That said, often this form of harm is misunderstood and underreported. Speak with a Baltimore personal injury lawyer about your situation in order to pave a path forward.

Workplace PTSD and Securing Compensation

PTSD can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. In the workplace, this can include:

• Serious accidents, such as industrial or construction site injuries.
• Violence or assaults committed by coworkers, clients, or the public.
• First-responder trauma, including exposure to death, severe injuries, or repeated distressing situations.
• Chronic stress in high-pressure jobs, where employees face constant fear, overwork, or emotional abuse.

Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, anxiety, nightmares, irritability, depression, and difficulty concentrating. For some workers, these symptoms make it nearly impossible to perform their duties safely or effectively.

Under Maryland law, workers’ compensation benefits are available for injuries and illnesses that arise in the course of employment. That includes certain mental health conditions, though the standards for proving a psychological injury can be more complex than for physical harm.

Generally, a worker must show that their PTSD or related condition resulted directly from their job or from a traumatic event that occurred at work. For example, a police officer who witnesses a violent crime or a nurse assaulted by a patient may qualify for benefits.

It is important to recognize that Maryland law distinguishes between different types of claims. Physical-mental claims are when a physical injury leads to psychological distress, this could be the case if depression follows a disabling injury. On the other hand, mental-mental claims are when the mental injury stems from emotional trauma alone, without physical harm. Mental-mental claims are more challenging to prove, but not impossible.

Why Workers Often Struggle to Get Help

Employees may hesitate to report PTSD or other mental health issues out of fear of stigma or job loss. Others may not recognize the connection between their symptoms and a workplace event. Unfortunately, delaying treatment can make it harder to secure benefits later.

Insurers and employers sometimes dispute these cases, arguing that the worker’s stress was personal or not related to their job. This is where having an experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference.

Do you want to secure compensation? The hidden toll of workplace PTSD is real, and workers deserve support and protection. If you’re struggling with emotional trauma after a workplace event, you don’t have to face it in silence. The skilled  legal team at Iamele & Iamele, LLP can advocate for your rights. When you are ready to move forward with a claim, contact us to book a confidential consultation.